Area history: Watson's Annals, Facts And Occurrences of the Primitive Settlement Part II: Vol I Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by EVC. USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. ____________________________________________________________ WATSON'S ANNALS of PHILADELPHIA and PENNSYLVANIA Vol. I Printed 1857 Written circa 1830-1850 Chapter 3. FACTS AND OCCURRENCES OF THE PRIMITIVE SETTLEMENT (Cont.) "William Fishbourne's Narrative of Philadelphia Events, to the year 1739." In the year 1739, William Fishbourne, Esq. a Friend, a native of Philadelphia, and resident of many years, was induced to write a narrative of events concerning Philadelphia, and the settlement of the state to that time, in 9 folio pages of cap paper, which I have seen, from which I have made such extracts as I thought pertinent to my main design. [William Fishbourne was Mayor of the city during the years 1719 - 20 and '21, and was at one time Treasurer of the colony.] He entitles his MS, "Some few and short hints of the Settlement of the Province of Pennsylvania, to the year 1739." "These hints, (says he) appear not only abrupt but imperfect, for want of proper helps therein, and the matters relating to government, and the settlers, and the settlements, may appear too much intermixed; yet it is hoped that all matters of fact are truly and briefly related. It is to be wished that some person or persons of skill would think it worth their while, care, and pains, from sufficient proofs that may still be procured, to form a just historical account of the low beginning, and great increase of his province; and above all, (to show) how God, by his divine providence, in and through the whole, has most miraculously preserved and blessed the inhabitants with peace and plenty to this day. Such a history doubtless would not only be very serviceable, but delightful and pleasant to succeeding generations. [So the present transcriber has so thought !] Some ancient men of the first settlers, who are now deceased, had this much at heart, and some essays have been made thereof. [How happy we should be to see them !] And, it is a great pity that such an undertaking should be either delayed or declined. [And yet no professed historian arose till Proud gave us his volumes !] The English have a great advantage over the present Indians, who can only communicate by traditional speeches; whilst we can communicate and recommend any past occurrences to future generations by writing ! ["The preserving art of all arts !"] William Penn, Esq., a judicious and wise man, religiously inclined, being desirous to retire to some other parts, for the more free liberty and exercise of his religious persuasion, and from some hardships and oppressions, which he and others suffered in England; by some proper measures, he obtained a grant from King Charles II , of the province which he called after his own name Pennsylvania. {i.e. Penn, and Sylvania, meaning a country covered with woods.] Having divided it into three counties, to wit : Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks, and laid the plan of Philadelphia city, he invited and encouraged those of his persuasion, and others, to accompany and settle the same; whereupon several readily agreed. He also framed an excellent form of government, and suitable schemes for such an undertaking. Sometime after, he, with many more, chiefly Quakers, hired ships, and transported themselves and families; but when they came to the province they found little or no conveniences for their reception, nor much probability of getting sufficient food and other necessaries of life, but a large wilderness for some time without inhabitants*, save a few families of Swedes settled on the Delaware, and the Indians, who very providentially were helpful and not hurtful; but peaceably permitted the English to settle among them. *In 1667, William Edmundson, a public Friend, travelling southward from New York, says he travelled all day with a Fin from the Falls of Delaware, (southward) without seeing a soul; and from Middletown Point coming to Delaware river, although with an Indian, they could not find the way all day, and were obliged to go back, so as to find the Raritan river at any point, and thence to follow its margin until they could find a small landing "from New York", and thence to follow a small path to Delaware Falls, and by this means, only, they found their way. He says, "We saw no tame animals in all the way". Want of proper conveniences and necessaries, at first view, must of course strike a great damp upon them who had known and left good habitations, &c. ( for most of those, who had first come over, were not people of low circumstances, but substantial livers); notwithstanding which, being animated with their first good design and intention of promoting religion, far beyond any worldly gain or profit, they unanimously fell to an honest industry to provide for themselves the best they could, [which ought never to be forgot !] and they made caves in the back of the Delaware, where the city is now laid out, and cut down timber, to make huts and conveniences to live in; depending on providence for other necessaries, which for some time proved hard to get, (the western division of New Jersey near them being then but thin settled) however, some of the neighbouring colonies hearing of a people come to settle, came with such necessaries as they could spare, which was very scanty for the number of persons which wanted them, and they took money for them; for they were not empty handed. These hardships and difficulties continued several years; and having spent their money and other necessaries they brought with them, it seemed hard for some to bear; and they would often condole with one another, saying; they believed it would not do to stay, and they must seek some other place ! But as they continued their industry, in a few years (having several artificers and tradesmen among them, which was their riches in fact !) they had got some few tolerable good houses in the city, and lands cleared for plantations, whereon they sowed and planted provisions, which was more plentiful every year, notwithstanding people continued coming in to settle; for the land being good and fertile, produced plentifully of excellent wheat and almost all other sorts of grain, with roots and fruits, and they got a stock of cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs; and in less than ten years [still a good long while to wait, to persons accustomed to comfortable livings] the country produce became considerably more than the inhabitants wanted for their own consumption, although they were very much increased in numbers; [Little could they in their actual need foresee the wonderful present improvements on the same soil !] so that they began to manufacture their wheat by bolting (having some few water-mills to grind the corn) which made excellent flour of several degrees. The first they sold for exportation; the other sorts made good bread and biscuit, and the bran made hearty food for working creatures. By this time a report had reached the West Indies that a number of people had settled a new country which produced great plenty of provisions, on which they sent several vessels to trade with them, [It has not been heretofore understood that the West Indies began the commerce; yet in this way came the Norrises, Dickensons, and other families from the West Indies to settle in Philadelphia to pursue commerce,] and they brought quantities of coined silver and gold, besides the produce of those islands, to purchase provisions. By this means cash was plenty, for the number of people, and the inhabitants were enabled to build [thereby] vessels and to trade to sea. Thus providence caused the country to increase in wealth, peace and plenty from year to year; so that the first 40 years it was the admiration of all people, who saw or heard of its flourishing condition, in lands, improvements in building houses and shipping, manufactures of many kinds, increase in plenty, commerce and trade, the great number of inhabitants, the soil producing plentifully with their industry. [What a time to make fortunes, when lands and lots were cheap, and money abounded ! and therefore we have seen all the original industrious and frugal inhabitants become in fact the nobility of the country. If they then admired to see their progress so sudden and so great; we also have had a time, even now, of admiring at our eclipsing of late years all that they thus did !] Considerable numbers of shipping came yearly, besides vessels built not only for the inhabitants, but many others in remote parts, who readily disposed of their cargoes and procured their full loading of the produce of this province, which was transported to the English plantations, and other foreign nations, by which means, all useful necessaries they had occasion for, were imported amongst them; and in every sense, the country still increasing more to settlements and improvements; many thousands of foreigners and others came hither and settled, whereby the produce of almost all kinds was much more increased, as well as commerce and trade both at home and abroad; and much good harmony continued amongst the inhabitants considering what a large number of mixed people were got together. And it must be noted, that for many years, there subsisted a good concord and benevolent disposition amongst the people of all denominations, each delighting to be reciprocally helpful and kind in acts of friendship for one another, and [as it is said] there was no difference in forms of worship; for the Quakers, having built a large Meeting house about the centre of the city, [meaning, I presume, the corner of Second and High streets, and not the real centre Meeting house on Broad and High streets], all came there, until a mischievous man who had imbibed vile notions of sacred things, and had more learning than sincerity, and wanting to form a particular sect of his own, [meaning George Keith's schism], so divided the people, that they separated into different Societies; but at length he confounded himself and many of his adherents. The proprietor's first and principal care was to promote peace with all; and accordingly he established a friendly correspondence, by way of treaty with the Indians, at least twice a year. [This is worth noticing,] and strictly enjoined the inhabitants and surveyors, not to settle any land to which the Indians had a claim, until he had first, at his own cost, satisfied and paid them for the same. [This peace lasted 80 years !] Which discreet method so effectually engaged their friendship, that they entirely loved him and his people, --- when at the same time, several of the neighbouring colonies were at war and in great distress by the Indians. The proprietor, being called home to meet some grievous complaints and false insinuations, did not return till the year 1700, when he came with his family, to the great joy of the inhabitants in general, with intentions (as it was hoped) to settle therein; and often expressed his great pleasure of once more coming again, and seeing the flourishing and happy state of the province, where he greatly desired to continue. But his stay was short, for his enemies at home were still unwearied against him, and he embarked himself and family on board a mean ship in the winter season, and arrived safe in England, where he still retained his interest at court. As the chief part of the inhabitants were Quakers, they, with others, were and are concerned in acts of government; but as the province increased and prospered in every respect, many of other persuasions came and settled here with worldly views; who have formerly attempted to wrest the civil power out of the Quakers' hands, as it is very probable they may, and will again. As they politically begin to think and observe, the country in its increased wealth and commerce cannot be safe, under the conduct of men, who from their principles [of religion] would continue it in a defenceless state and leave it an easy prey to any enemy. Thus not regarding [the fact of] the peaceable introduction and continuing from the first settlement, both in time of peace and war." ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS of PHILADELPHIA at its BIRTH, --- When Astrological science was much countenanced, Jacob Taylor, a good mathematician, who from keeping a small school near Abington, came to be the Surveyor General of the province, calculated the aspect of the planets when the city of Philadelphia was founded, and expressed the result in the following lines --- written in the year 1723, to wit : "Full forty years have now their changes made, Since the foundation of this town was laid; -- When Jove and Saturn were in Leo join'd, They saw the survey of the place designed; Swift were these planets, and the world will own Swift was the progress of the rising town. The Lion is an active regal sign; And Sol beheld the two superiors join. A city built with such propitious rays Will stand to see old walls and happy days. But kingdoms, cities, men in every state Are subject to vicissitudes of fate. An envious cloud may shade the smiling morn Though fates ordain the beaming Sun's return !" Chapter 4 FRAGMENTS OF OUR PRIMITIVE HISTORY. It is intended, within the compass of the present article, to collect and arrange several items of a miscellaneous character, illustrative of our primitive history. The most of them having been derived from Mrs. Logan's MS. selections, and now first meeting the public eye, will give them additional attraction. I take this occasion to acknowledge my obligations to my much valued friend for her generous indulgence, in allowing me freely to extract what I pleased from her valuable and voluminous selections --- in five volumes quarto --- compiled from numerous files of papers left by the honourable James Logan and by the kindred Norris family. To the future historian of Pennsylvania they will furnish documents of much value; and a grateful posterity will not fail to commend the kindness of the heart, and the untiring patience of the hand, that has thus usefully laboured for their information and entertainment. As many of the facts are derived from the frankness and unreserve of confidential letter correspondence, they will therefore partake of the minds of the writers, and let us into the double reward of learning more intimately the characters of Logan, Norris, Penn, &c. --- for, as has been well observed, "there is nothing in general which can give a better opportunity of understanding a man's character, than those letters he never meant for the public eye." SALARIES to OFFICERS in 1701 --- William Penn, in his letter of 1701, to James Logan, says, --- "To Colonel Hamilton, as deputy governor, give him £ 200 per annum, of your money, --- this, till I procure an approbation from him, --- afterwards, let it be £ 300. To John Moore, as the attorney-general, give £ 30 a year. Use your endeavors. Judge (J.) Guest expects £ 100 a year; --- I would give him £ 50. [James Logan was promised £ 200, but he never took but £ 100 , because of Penn's embarrassments.] THE VALUE of the CUSTOMS --- In William Penn's letter of 1701, he writes, "This year the customs from Pennsylvania, for amount goods, amount to L 8000. The year I arrived there, in 1699, it was but £ 1500 --- a good encouragement for me and the country. New York has not the half of it. [This is remarkable of a country then so much older !] But oh, that we had a fur trade instead of a tobacco one. Fur is almost any price, --- I would say, 16 shillings, --- ay, 20 shillings." TOBACCO CULTIVATION --- Tobacco was much cultivated about Philadelphia at first, and much of it in the lower counties: --- Penn's rents were chiefly paid in it. In 1702, eight vessels were loaded for England with 80 to 90 hogsheads each. FAIRMOUNT --- William Penn, in 1701, in writing to James Logan, shows his fancy for the site of the present water works, and his intention to settle there if he returned, saying, "My eye, though not my heart, is upon Fairmount, unless the unworthiness of some spirits drive me up to Pennsbury or Susquehanna for good and all." He had before projected and published a scheme of making another city and settlement on the Susquehanna. One of the Penns afterwards built and occupied a country-seat at Springettsbury, near to Fairmount. THE FACTION AGAINST PENN --- These drove their opposition to Penn's interests to extremes. In 1700, Colonel Quarry, judge, and John Moore, advocate, of the admiralty, were the two ring-leaders. "The faction (says James Logan) had long contended to overthrow the settled constitution of the government." At that time, David Lloyd, the attorney-general, (afterwards an opposition leader, although a Friend) defended the measures of Penn's administration. James Logan remarks on these ungenerous hostilities to their patron, that Governor Penn "was sometimes warm enough to inveigh highly against past proceedings, not sparing several, in express words, that were concerned in them." Penn himself calls them "Knavish and foolish enemies". It was a part of their regular business, as mal-contents, to send many idle and pernicious tales to England, and also to the government there. In 1702, James Logan thus writes of them, --- "We are here unhappily exposed to such malicious spies, who, sedulously to serve a dishonest cause, keep themselves constantly on the alert, and in their secret cabals dress up every trivial occurrence into a monstrous shape of malfaisance; --- the real subject of which is so slight, that the persons concerned scarce ever think of it more, until they hear it roar from some mighty court or committee there," --- in England. In 1704-5, he says, "Some in America, who were lost here in the crowd of their superiors, having got into power there, in feeling their little eminency, think nothing taller than themselves but their trees ! It might amend them to send them back to lose themselves again in the crowds of more considerable people !" [a cutting satire !] Parties and factions ran high in the time of Sir William Keith, who promoted political divisions for his personal benefit. James Logan's letter to the proprietaries, of the year 1729, speaks of an intended mob or insurrection of about 200 people proposing to come in from the country with clubs, &c., and to be increased with such of the city as would join them, to overawe the Assembly, and to storm the government and council ! In the mean time, the Assembly proclaimed the riot act as in force, with the penalty of death annexed. Three or four score of the mob came next day near to the town's end, --- but on hearing of the riot act they retired. Under a sense of such troubles, James Logan advises them, --- even at that late day --- to sell back to the crown ! In the 5th vol. of Mrs. Logan's selections is a long justification of 50 pages, by James Logan, of all his public measures, being in design a refutation of sundry malevolent accusations or insinuations prompted by the jealousy or bad motives of Governor Keith. It is dated the 29th of September, 1709, and is addressed to the Assembly in the name of a remonstrance. It shows that much of the perverseness of David Lloyd, in the Assembly, was caused by his personal pique against William Penn, --- towards whom he acted apparently with much unfair dealing. It furnishes an ample portrait of Lloyd's general character.* *In the year 1774, John Reed, of Philadelphia, published a book of 60 pages, 8vo. avowedly to illustrate his large map of city lots. It would seem he had hostilities to the Penn interest here, and intended to weaken their titles. His book is very deficient in perspicuity, even hard to understand; --- but he has revived some buried scandals, taken from minutes of the early Assemblies --- such as reproaching Penn, --- "With thy unheard of abuses to thy purchasers, &c., in pretending to give them a town, and then by unconscionable quit rents make it worse by tenfold than a purchase; not only so, the very land the town stands upon is not cleared of the Swedes' claims". In 1734, James Logan gives a general history of the state of the province, and of all its political divisions, and cabals, it being a long letter of 24 pages to John Penn. --- Vide vol. 5, page 174, of Ms. Logan's MS selection. It gives many characteristics of Andrew Hamilton, Esq., to whom the Penns gave the Bush hill estate for frugal legal services and benefits. EMBARRASSMENTS of the GOVERNMENT --- There was, from and after Penn's departure from his colony, in 1701, a constant and violent opposition party to the administration of the government. It was chiefly got up and sustained by Colonel Quarry of the customs, John Moore, and David Lloyd, --- all of whom had received personal favours and obligations from the founder. The leading grounds of their opposition were these, --- to wit: --- an unwillingness to provide an income for Governor Penn or his officers; --- creating embarrassments in the courts respecting oaths and affirmations; --- and making representations to the crown officers to induce them to put down a proprietary government, and to place them immediately under the crown. I shall illustrate these positions by facts from the letters of James Logan, --- premising from him a few words from his description of David Lloyd, the Friend above named, --- to wit: --- "a close member among Friends, he is a discordant in their meetings of business, --- so much so, that he expects (in 1707) a separation and a purging. This arises out of divisions in the government, --- the young push for rash measures, --- the old for Penn's interest." In 1703, James Logan says, "Some of the opposition pretend to an authority from the lords of trade to inspect our actions, and use it to no other end than to perplex and disturb our government; --- and surely we are in a miserable case, if no care be taken of us from home but for our distraction, --- and none be employed among us but our professed adversaries. Notwithstanding their demurs to the oaths and affirmations made in our courts, and actually according to the Queen's order, we shall hold our courts in spite of all their endeavours and study to our ruin". On another occasion he remarks, "We are reduced to great straits, when all are disabled from serving the government, but such whose profession too much removes them from our interests. I believe it will be scarcely possible to administer it here long under thee, unless we can find a new set of people !" Jonathan Dickinson, in 1715, writes, that "our laws are mostly come back repealed, --- among which was our law of courts and manner of giving evidence, whereupon we have no courts, nor judicial proceedings these two years past !" Isaac Norris, too, thus writes, "Things among us pretty well, --- nothing very violent yet, but in civil affairs all stop. We have no courts, --- no justice administered, --- and every man does what is right in his own eyes !" James Logan at the same time remarks, "That the disallowance of the affirmation act, and repeal of the laws for courts, put a stop to all proceedings, and so weakened the hands of the Magistrate that the public grew rampant, and wickedness was bold and open. A mobbish disposition encouraged, --- and the weaker and more sober people affrighted; it is admitted, by every member of note among other persuasions, that it is impossible to hold courts and carry on the administration of justice without Quakers, who are so numerous a part of the community." A sober and considerate perusal of all the papers which remain at this day on the subject of Penn's government, could not fail to convince the reader, that the structure of colonial governments in general must have been of the most perplexing and vexatious kind. they remind one of wranglesome children --- perpetually plotting, and counterplotting against each other, --- "destroying others, by themselves destroyed !" --- each carrying their complaints and remonstrances back to the distant parents in England, --- and they, equally perverse, rescinding and counteracting the efforts of the children to become their own masters ! Americans, to be now duly sensible of the value of their liberation from such harassing thralldom, should go back to the perusal of those voluminous papers which contain the facts so constantly afflictive to our forefathers ! CIVIL GOVERNMENT, EMBARRASSING to FRIENDS --- The Friends, who generally held a majority in the civil rule of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, found themselves more and more embarrassed as mixed population increased. They had difficulties in serving in judicial offices where oaths were required, and also in providing public defence against enemies. The feuds and animosities raised against Friends in the War with France occurred in the interval. A French privateer plundered Lewes' Town, --- and several of them plundered and burnt vessels in the bay. In 1709, the city of Phladelphia was got into high commotion for a defence. "The hot church party" were all in favour of it. The people petitioned the queen for defence, and objected at the same time to the passive principles of the Friends as unfit for civil rule, &c. When I have seen so much correspondence as I have, in that day, on that subject, and have witnessed how perplexed the Friends were with their unruly charge, --- made up of many nations and many minds, --- I have thought them (to use a homely domestic figure,) not unlike the perplexed hen with her "duck" - chickens, which perpetually counteract her nature by taking to the water, and leaving her in embarrassment and distress ! If they governed for a while, retaining therein their religious views, it was still a daily work of shifts and expedients to keep the approbation of other sects. PENN'S LETTERS and AFFAIRS --- We here introduce letters of William Penn, for the double purpose of showing, at the same time, certain facts in our primitive history, and also the antiquated style and manner of the founder in his epistolary correspondence with his personal friends; for this purpose we here use, first his `earliest' letter on the occasion of his first getting to the confirmation of his province; and also, his `last' known letter from his own hand (in 1712, written by him on business), preceding his last illness and eventual decease, to wit: To ROBERT TURNER, MERCHANT, in DUBLIN, IRELAND. 5th of 1st Mo., 1681 DEAR FRIEND, --- My true love in the Lord salutes thee, and dear friends that love the Lord's precious truth in those parts. Thine I have, and for my business here, know that after many waitings, watchings, solicitings and disputes in council, this day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal of England, with large powers and privileges, by the name of PENNSILVANIA, a name the king would give it in honour of my father. I chose NEW WALES, being as this, a pretty hilly country, but PENN being Welsh for a HEAD, as PENMANMOIRE in Wales, and PENRITH in Cumberland, and PENN in Buckinghamshire, the highest land in England, called this PENNSILVANIA, which is the high or head woodlands; for I proposed when the secretary --- a Welshman --- refused to have it called New Wales, SYLVANIA, and they added PENN to it; and though I much opposed it, and went to the king to have it struck out and altered, he said 'twas past, and would take it upon him; nor could twenty guineas move the under secretaries to vary the name, for I feared lest it should be lookt on as vanity in me, and not as a respect in the king, as it truly was to my father, whom he often mentions with praise. Thou mayest communicate my grant to friends, and expect shortly my proposals : 'tis a clear and just thing, and my God that has given it me through many difficultys, will, I believe, bless and make the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the government, that it will be well laid at first; no more now, but dear love in the truth. Thy true friend, W. PENN To ROBERT TURNER, DUBLIN. 25th 6Mo., 1681. DEAR FRIEND, --- My endeared love in the truth of God, that is sweet and patient, long suffering, and believes and hopes to the end, salutes thee and thy family, with faithful friends in those parts. At my returne found thyne to me. The most materiall is about the quit-rent, &c.: Philip will be large to thee upon it. I am contented to sell it to a Beaver Skin, which is about a crown value, at 10 years purchase. I did refuse a great temptation last 2d day, which was 6000 pounds, and pay the Indians, for six shares, and make the purchasers a company, to have wholly to itself the Indian trade from south to north, between the Susquahanagh and Delaware rivers, paying me 2 1/2 per cent. acknowledgment or rent: but as the Lord gave it me over all and great opposition, and that I never had my mind so exercised to the Lord about any outward substance, I would not abuse his love, nor act unworthy of his providence, and so defile what came to me clean. No, lett the Lord guide me by his wisdom, and preserve me to humour his name, and serve his truth and people, that an example and standard may be set up to the nations; there may be room there though none here. So Dr. Robert take no notice of this. Thomas Lurting may guess the man; he knows him and spoke of him to me the last time man upon the staires-head when he left me. No more at present, but that I am in the love of the Lord, Thy true friend, WM. PENN. FOR MY DE. FRIENDS S. CARPENTER; ED. SHIPPEN; RIED. HILL; J. NORRIS; C. PEUSY; S. PRESTON; T. STORY; GR. OWEN; & c., at PHILADELPHIA in PENNSYLVANIA. Pr. J. French. Ruscomb, Berks, 24th 5th Mo., 1712 DEARE AND WORTHY FRIENDS, --- Having so faire an opertunity, and having heard from you by the Bearer, John French, I chuse, by him to salute you and yours; and all unnamed friends, that you think worthy, for my heart loves such and heartily salutes them and theirs, and prays for your preservation in the Lord's everlasting truth to the end of time; and the way of it is, to take the Lord along with you in all your enterprises to give you right sight, true counsil, and a just temper or moderation in all things, you knowing right well the Lord our God is near at hand. Now know, that tho I have not actually sold my Govermt. to our truly Good Queen, yet her able Ld. treasurer and I have agreed it, and that affaire of the Prizes, the Bearer came hither abt. is part of ye Queen's payment, viz. her one third; and the other comes very opertunely, that belongs to me, which I hope J. Logan will take care of, in the utmost farthing, and remit it to me first, to whom I suppose, orders will goe by this opertunity from ye treasury to yt effect. But I have taken effectuall care, yt all ye Laws and priviledges I have graunted to you, shall be observed by the Quenn's Governors, &c.; and that we who are friends shall be in a more particular manner regarded and treated by ye Queen. So that you will not, I hope and believe, have a less interest in the govermt. being humble and discreet in our conduct. And you will finde all the charters and Proprietary Govermts. annexed to the Crown by act of Parliament next winter; and perhaps Col Quarry, if not J. Moore, may happen to be otherwise employed, notwithstanding the politick opinion of one of my officers in that Governmt., that is still for gaining them, which I almost think impossible. But be that as it will, I propose to see you if God give me life this fall, but I grow ould and infirme, yet would Gladly see you once more before I dye, and my young sons and daughter also, settled upon good Tracts of Land, for them and theirs' after them, to clear and settle upon, as Jacob's sons did. I close when I tell you that I desire fervent prayers to the Lord for continuing my life, that I may see Pennsylvania once more, before I die, and that I am Your ffaithful Loving friend WM. PENN. PENN'S SURRENDER to the CROWN --- It may be interesting, at this day, to possess some certain facts respecting Penn's intended surrender of the province back to the crown. The following extracts will show how very reluctantly he fell upon such an expedient of relieving himself, both from opposing colonists and carking creditors. It will appear too as a measure having the previous sanction of his friends here. James Logan, in 1701-2, in writing to William Penn, says, "It is generally believed here that the war will oblige the Parliament to carry on that act annexing the colonies to the crown, for their better security and defence; nor can I find any, even of thy friends, desirous that it should be otherwise, provided thou canst make good terms for thyself and them; for they seem weary and careless on government." In 1702, James Logan thus remarks, :"I cannot advise against a bargain with the crown, if to be had on good terms for thyself and the people. Friends here, at least the generality of the best informed, think government at this time (then at war), so ill fitted to their principles, that it renders them very indifferent in that point. Privileges, they believe, such as might be depended on for a continuance both to thee and them, with a moderate Governor, would set thee much more at ease, and give thee a happier life as proprietor --- besides, that it would exempt them from the solicitude they are under, both from their own impotency and the watchfulness of enemies. In the next year, (1703) William Penn replies, " I am actually in treaty with the ministers for my government, and so soon as it bears you shall be informed of it. I believe it repents some here, that they began it, [as his enemies] for now it is I that press it upon pretty good terms, &c. But this shall never weaken my love to and residence in Pennsylvania; and so I command, by will, my posterity, saying, "I desire they may settle --- as Jacob's sons did --- in good part in America, where I leave them inheritance from generation to generation". In 1704 James Logan again writes, saying, "such is the confusion here, that if thou canst make a good bargain for thyself `tis what thy best friends will advise. I see nothing here that should incline thee to defer good terms one hour after they are offered.". In 1712 William Penn writes, that "the government and I have agreed as to the surrender, but not yet formally executed on both sides; but I hoe in a month or two to dispatch it". About the same time he again writes, saying, "Instead of seven years for £ 20,000, reduced to £ 16,000, and I hope the Lord T. will, at £12,000 in four years, pay me. In the succeeding year, (1713) his wife writes that "she is concerned that her husband's health is so precarious that he is now unable to now model the important affair of the surrender, which she is advised, by all her friends, to get finished and confirmed by act of Parliament before it is too late. I propose, says she, to get a copy of it for my own and friends' satisfaction". She afterwards says, that the answer she got, was that her husband "might have long since finished it, had he not insisted too much on gaining privileges for the people". In 1715, she says, that "Thomas Story has looked into that copy, and thinks with others there is as much care taken for keeping the lower counties, and confirming the people's privileges, as can be at all expected; and therefore, all wish it could be accomplished on so good a footing as it was then like to be done. It is now under the consideration of Chancellor West and the trustees, who are desirous to forward it. But as the Parliament has much in hand, we are not come to a resolution whether to lay it before them now or not". Thomas Story, soon afterwards, writes, that "the surrender was passed, and things fully concluded between the late queen and the proprietor, --- so there was not any thing so unsettled as to make any legal alteration; but the proprietor and government remain the same still; but it cannot now be perfected without an act of Parliament," --- a thing of course never effected ! PENN'S TITLE to the LOWER COUNTIES --- As the lower counties, which were once a part of Penn's province, resolved to secede or withdraw themselves, "nolens volens", from the union, I here preserve some facts respecting his claim, to wit: William Penn, in 1704, says, "The people of the territories did, by their address to the king and duke, (of York) highly express their satisfaction in me and their union with the upper counties, (and which was indeed their seeking) returning their humble thanks to both for sending them so kind a landlord and so good a Governor, and therefore, to Quarry's foul practices and to the protection he brags there that he has here, (with the lords) I owe that great defection which those poor people have been led into of late". In 1713, Hannah Penn, in behalf of her husband, writes, "I found a grant from Queen Mary, signed by her own hand, in which she declares or owns my husband to be true and rightful proprietor of the lower counties and New Castle, --- and I believe there is, or will be easily got, a sufficient title to it". In 1717, when the Earl of Sutherland was endeavouring to obtain a grant of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, from the crown, James Logan resists his pretension by an essay to prove that they were always esteemed a part of New York colony. He refers to the statement of the claims of the two proprietors, Lord Baltimore and William Penn, saying, that "although the title of the latter is not expressly mentioned, it is there shown, from Doctor Haylin's Cosmography, (a work now in the Friends' Library) whose first editions are ancient, that Niew Nederlands extended to the westward and southward of Delaware river and bay, --- that the Dutch had platted the western side of it, and built two towns on it, viz. Whoorkill, now Lewes; and Sandi-hook, now New Castle; --- that this river, being taken by the English from the Dutch in 1665, together with New Amstel and the Noord Riviere, --- now New York and Hudson, --- altogether as one country, known by the general name of Nieu Nederlandt, came, therefore, under the government of the Duke of York, whose right to the western side of the Delaware was fully submitted to by all the Dutch and settlers amongst them; --- and, when retaken by the Dutch, and conquered, a second time, by the English, it returned to its former subjection to the Duke". [Note --- "All titles to land upon the river and bay, from Upland, (now Chester) to the cape, were therefore held from the New York government."] In 1726, diligent search, says James Logan, was made among the records at New Castle, to find facts respecting the Dutch claims and government aforetime on the Delaware; but they could find only a minute of their court, which said, that all the old records were sent to New York. At the same time he also searched the records of Sussex, and procured some facts. He sent his clerk to Williamsburg, Virginia, to search the records there, especially for the treaty between the Dutch government and that of Virginia. But they had them not, --- probably because they may have been burnt in the burning down of their town-house and divers old papers, many years since, at Jamestown. The search was also finally made at New York with but little effect, although the copies there taken cost £30.* [* It is at present ascertained that the records at Albany are very voluminous and complete, and will some day afford fine researches.] He says he is sorry the records of New York do not afford better proofs of the settlement of this river or bay by the Dutch before the year 1632, --- the date of the grant for Maryland. A particular account of it is copied in Governor Stuyvesant's letters to Colonel Nicholls, but it is solely on his word. There was also a copy of a prohibition to the Swedes between the years 1630 and 1640. He thinks the Dutch were particular in sending home full accounts to the Company of Amsterdam, but careless of preserving those at home. [Those papers were all required in the disputed case of Lord Baltimores boundaries, and the facts above were written to the proprietaries.] When New Castle and the lower counties were delivered by the Duke of York's agent to William Penn, it was done formally by delivery of "turf and water" ! --- a fit subject for an historical painting. The Duke's deed of sale is dated the 20th of August, 1682. Fenwick's Island formed the outer cape, named Hinlopen, and the inner one was named Cornelius. An old man, in 1739, showed the original boundary with Lord Baltimore, it having been marked with brass nails drove into a tree, still standing on Fenwick's Island. In 1708, James Logan states some reasons why New Castle did not prosper as the inhabitants there wished, as rivals to Philadelphia, saying, "the unhealthiness of the place, and the disorderly way of living among the people has been the cause why it is not now much more considerable than it was thirty yeas ago. * To make that town flourish they fell upon the expedient to separate the lower counties from the province, and to make it a seat of government; --- but notwithstanding, the inhabitants below have still chosen to bring their trade to Philadelphia, rather than to stop there or have any thing to do with it". Much of this scheme was projected and conducted by Jasper Yeates and J. Coutts. A previous desire to separate was expressed as early as 1702, and much effort was then made to that end. [* Edmundson's Journal speaks of being at this place (Delawaretown] in 1672, and that then the Dutch and Fins were very intemperate.] EARLY SETTLEMENTS in JERSEY --- The early settlements made in Jersey, along the Delaware, are sufficiently contemporaneous and connected with Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, to deserve a passing notice. Major John Fenwick in his own right and as trustee for Edward Billings, held the "lordship", as it was then called, of all West Jersey. --- The Major had been an officer under Cromwell, afterwards became a Quaker, and came out with his little colony to Salem in June 1675. He forthwith confirmed his titles by making his purchases of the Indians to their satisfaction. --- This "lord or chief proprietor", appears to have prosecuted his settlement with all the personal industry and labour of an ordinary man, and to have been only regarded among Friends, as plain John Fenwick. He had continual perplexities and pecuniary embarrassments, and finally rested his remains (after being two years imprisoned in New York) at his plantation, called Fenwick's Grove, in Upper Mannington, and no monumental stone is there to mark his grave ! Deer skins and peltry were very early articles of commerce from Salem --- It was made a port of entry in 1682, and much was done in a business way between that place and New York, which, besides the skins, received much of cedar posts and shingles. The first settlers brought into the country privet and thorn seeds with which they afterwards made fences. In 1717, they burned Hagar, a slave to James Sherran, for the murder of her master. The Court proceedings at Salem present nothing remarkable --- offences were generally punished by whipping. The dates of the earliest settlements of towns and churches about Salem has been told in an interesting manner by R. G. Johnson, Esqr., in his little historical account of the first settlement at Salem --- therein furnishing an instructive picture of the past, in the days of its olden time, including my own forefathers, the Watsons, --- first settlers at Greenwich. PRIMITIVE COMMERCE --- Isaac Norris, in a letter to William Penn, in 1707 says, the province consumes annually, of produce and merchandise of England, 14 to £15,000 sterling. The direct returns were in tobacco, furs and skins. The indirect are in provisions and produce, via West Indies and the southern colonies. In 1706, about 800 hogsheads of tobacco went from Philadelphia, and about 25 to 30 tons of skins and furs. William Penn himself was concerned in a great many shipments to and from Pennsylvania. For the most part they were intended as measures for best conducting his remittances. The letters between him and James Logan are numerous on this subject. Specie was too scarce to procure it. Penn was at first averse from insurance, saying, "I am tender (in conscience) as to insurance. If the vessel arrives I shall consider it an engaging providence". In after times, however, he admitted his partners to insure for him. In 1704, James Logan, speaking of their joint losses, says, "thy success at sea is so very discouraging, that I should never be willing to be concerned more this way : --- and William Trent, who has hitherto been a partner in most of thy losses, almost protests against touching with any vessel again where a proprietary holds a part !" Samuel Carpenter, in a letter of 1708, to Jonathan Dickinson, thus speaks of their embarrassments of trade, saying, "I am glad thou didst not come this summer, for craft from Martinico and several vessels here have been detained some time in fear of the enemy, and now by this conveyance to Jamaica, they are hurrying off 16 vessels to join convoy at the capes under the York man of war". It was usual then to have several owners in one vessel and cargo, so as to divide, as much as possible, their risks. I give here a specimen, from a bill of outfits of a Philadelphia vessel in 1708-9, in which sixteen distinct and separate divisions of eight ownerships in the "ship Mary Galley", --- her total expenses were £ 415, and William Poole (the ship carpenter, who dwelt by, and built ships at Poole's bridge) held a sixteenth share. I abstract the following prices, to wit: --- negroes, for day's work in clearing the hold, two shillings and six pence per day, --- board of cook and others, per week, 9 shillings, --- a barrel of pork, 70 shillings, --- staves, 60 shillings per thousand, --- wood, at 9 shillings per cord. CONCLUSION --- We have seen from the foregoing pages, that the lords of trade had a most busy surveillance of our affairs. Their intimate knowledge of which, and their ample records, if now consulted, might cast much light upon our infant history. THIS IDEA SHOULD BE IMPROVED BY SOME OF OUR FUTURE HISTORIANS. That board was instituted in 1671 on purpose, to keep up a keen inspection and jealous check of all the British colonies. They therefore sustained an active correspondence with the several plantations, and required frequent communications and exposes of the events transpiring there. We know it to have been the fact in our case, that many secret reports, both good and ill, were made to them, --- both from the Governors and authorities among us, and also from the disaffected, who thus laboured to frustrate the common purposes of the country. Evelyn's Memoirs show, as he was a member of that board of trade, the kind of machinery they employed against us as colonies. Another fruitful source of facts for our history may be expected to be obtained, some day, of the Penn family at Stoke Pogis; for I am well assured by an eye witness, that all of the primitive papers are regularly folded, endorsed and labelled, but not now permitted to be used, by the late owner, John Penn, Esqr., --- he alleging that he reserved them for designs of his own. Besides these might be added the fact, that in our own archives at Harrisburg are some records and MS. volumes which might further reward the diligence of a competent explorer. Such are the early minutes of the council, minutes of the first Assemblies, &c., which might further amuse and edify. It is believed that many early papers and records of the city, perhaps as far down as to the Revolution, are irretrievably gone. J. P. Norris, Esqr., and others, informed me they were in the possession of Judge Shippen, and were put in his garret. After his death, Mrs. L., his daughter, (now in New York) regarding them as mere lumber, allowed them to be burnt.* *Dunlap's Memoir says, Joseph Shippen, the Secretary, only gave up his books, and withheld the documents of his office. --- The city Minutes given in this work were found in Edward Burd's garret. Besides the foregoing depots, where facts may one day be disclosed, it is desirable that common readers who wish to cherish an inquiring mind respecting the rise and progress of their country, should be apprised of the titles of numerous ancient publications in our City Library, and the Library of the American Philosophical Society, which, if consulted, might considerably enlarge their knowledge of our country. To many readers who never thought much on the subjects, the very titles would awaken some concern to look into them. From many I select the following: CATALOGUE OF ANCIENT PUBLICATIONS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF OUR EARLY HISTORY, IN THE PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY, TO WIT: Plain Truth; or Considerations on the present state of Philadelphia, 1747. 8vo. An answer thereto, --- is called, Necessary Truth; or Seasonable Considerations for the Inhabitants of Philadelphia. Philadelphia, 1748, 8vo. Clear and certain Truths relating to the present crisis, as well the truly pious Christian as others. By a simple tradesman. Germantown, printed by C. Sower, 1747. A short Apology for Plain Truth, in a letter from a third tradesman in Philadelphia to his friend in the country. 1748. Proposals for Trade and Commerce in New Jersey, 1717. 4 to. No. 465. Strictures on the Philadelphia Meschianza; or Triumph upon leaving America unconquered. Philadelphia, 1780. 12mo. A letter from Sir William Keith, governor, to James Logan. Philadelphia, 1725. 12mo. A serious Address to such of the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania as connived at the massacre of the Indians at Lancaster. Philadelphia, 1764. An Answer to an invidious pamphlet entitled, "A Brief State of the Province of Pennsylvania," wherein the conduct of the Assemblies is considered. London, 1755. 8vo. A true and impartial state of the Province of Pennsylvania, being a full answer to the pamphlets, entitled, "A Brief State of the Province of Pennsylvania", and "A Brief View of the conduct of Pennsylvania," Philadelphia, 1759. Charles Reed's letter to John Ladd, Esqr., concerning the massacre of the Indians in Lancaster. Philadelphia, 1764. 8vo. A state of the case of Rebecca Richardson, respecting a house and lot in Philadelphia, 1759. Plantagenet's New Albion, in the Loganian Library, is a rare work, and contains the earliest facts concerning New Jersey and Pennsylvania. London, 1648. The Plain Dealer; or Remarks on Quaker politics. Philadelphia, 1764 An address to the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, in answer to Plain Dealer. An Inquiry into the nature and necessity of a paper currency. 1729. Remedies proposed for restoring the sunk credit of Pennsylvania, 1721. Smith and Gibbon's Remonstrance, showing the distress of the frontier inhabitants. Philadelphia, 1764. Beatty's Journal of a two months' tour with a view of promoting religion among the frontier inhabitants of Pennsylvania. London, 1768. 8vo. An Account of the first settlement of Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, by the English. London, 1735. 4to. A Council held at Philadelphia, August, 1744, with the Delawares. The History of the Buccaneers of America. Dublin, 1741, 5th Edition. An Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania from its origin. London, 1759. 8vo. The British Empire in America, and state of the Colonies from 1710 to 1741. London, 1741. 8vo. Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the Province of Pennsylvania, from October 4th, 1682, to September 26th, 1776. 18 vols. folio. A two years' Journal in New York and part of its territories in America. London, 1701. 12mo. Douglass's Summary, historical and political, of the first planting, progressive improvements of the British settlement in North America. Boston, 1749. and London, 1760. Johnson's General History of the Pirates, from their rise and settlement in Providence to the present time, by Charles Johnson. 4th Edit., London, 1726. Sir William Keith's (Governor of Pennsylvania) History of the British plantations in America, with a chronological account of the most remarkable things which happened to the first adventurers. Part 1. containing the history of Virginia, &c. London, 1738. 8vo. THE LIBRARY of the AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, at PHILADELPHIA, CONTAINS the FOLLOWING BOOKS TO WIT: Several books, by various writers, respecting the massacre of Indians at Lancaster. 1763 MS. --- Narrative, by John Watson, of the Indian Walk, being a purchase of land made of the Indians in Pennsylvania. 1756. Very interesting. MSS. --- Copies of Records concerning the early settlements on the Delaware river. -- 1st. English Records from 1614 to 1682. --- 2d. Dutch Records, from 1630 to 1656, --- extracted from the archives of the state of Pennsylvania, by Redmond Conyngham, Esqr. MS. copies of Swedish Records, concerning the colony of New Sweden, (now Pennsylvania and Delaware), obtained from the archives of the Swedish government at Stockholm, by Jonathan Russell, Esqr. (Swedish and French). MS. --- The original cash book of William Penn, containing the entries of his expenses from 1699 to 1703, --- kept by James Logan. MS. --- The original rough Minutes of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, from 1748 to 1758, --- extracted by Thomas Sargent, Esqr., Secretary of State. A brief History of the charitable scheme for instructing poor Germans in Pennsylvania, printed by B. Franklin, 1755. Several pamphlets of 1764, of Philadelphia, of controversy --- for and against the Quakers, whose ascendency in the Assembly was disliked by some. The conduct of the Paxton men impartially represented. 1764 Besides the foregoing, there are several works, giving historical and descriptive accounts of America, or of particular provinces, from their settlement. --- Several written by Europeans in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the Cambridge Library, Massachusetts, there is a German pamphlet, 12mo. of 44 pages, printed at Memmingen, by Andrew Seyler, 1792; the title of which is "A Geographical, statistical description of the Province of Pennsylvania, by Fr. Daniel Pastorius, in an extract, (Im Auszug) with notes". It contains several facts from 1683 to 1699, with an account of the Indians, &c., that would much illustrate our early history. Pastorius was a sensible man, and a scholar, who lived during the above time in Germantown, as chief magistrate there. The New York Historical Society has reprinted some of Holme's "New Swedeland", from the Stockholm edition. Graydon's Memoirs of a life of 60 years in Pennsylvania, --- Ed. 1811 --- is a book to be particularly recommended to the perusal of Philadelphians. It contains much of the local and domestic history of the town at and after the period of the Revolution, and affords a pleasing proof of the incidents of his early life. The present generation know scarcely any thing of the past transactions which his book presents with the charm of good reading The adventures of Sieur Castleman, published in London, gives a description of his visit to Philadelphia, and some amusing occurrences there in 1707, --- he speaks of his acquaintance with a dancing master, then at Philadelphia. The work is very scarce, and has been published in English, French, and Italian. ____________________________________ EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF COUNCIL These Minutes of Council I examined and made extracts from, down to the year 1760; I found that they do not furnish much of interest in my way of inquiry, as will now be seen. They were mostly upon "Indian Affairs", as will be found under that head. I had freely declared, that they were not such in general as would justify the expense of printing, since ordered by the Legislature. They expected much from them, just because no one had sufficiently examined their contents, as I had. Governor Denny, in 1757, when speaking of these Minutes of Council, now so open to all, said: --- "They contained important state affairs, many of which require the greatest secrecy, and cannot therefore be opened to the perusal of any but such as are concerned in the administration of public affairs". It was begun first at Philadelphia on the 10th of 1st mo., 1682-3, Present, Wm. Penn, Proprietary and Governor, Capt. Wm. Markham and 15 others, viz: --- Christopher Taylor, Thomas Holmes, Lasse Cock, Wm. Hug, John Moll, Ralph Whithers, John Simcoe, Edward Cantwell, Wm. Clayton, Wm. Biles, James Harrison, Wm. Clarke, Francis Whitehill, John Richardson, John Killiard. The six sheriffs being called in, it was represented, that they could not assemble the whole number of deputies from the people, according to charter, but that the voice of the people for 12 delegates was enough, being 72. Agreed to. 12 of 6 mo., 1682 --- Nich. Moore, President of the Society of Free Traders, was summoned for disrespectable words, uttered concerning the former council. He made apology. 16 of 1 mo., 1683 --- A bill proposed for building a House of Correction in each county, 24 feet by 10 feet. 23 of 1 mo., 1683 --- Ordered that the seal of Philadelphia be the ANCHOR. It was voted that the justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, and Constables be appointed during the life of the Governor. 11 of 3 mo., 1683 --- The Assembly and Council meet together in the meeting house for a special occasion and for more room. 24 of 6 mo., 1683 --- Trial of the case of Chs. Pickering coining base money --- Robert Felton made it. Luke Watson is named as member of Assembly from his farm at Prince Hook in Sussex. He was one of the General Council in 1684, had 500 acres --- gave some offence. The speaker and the whole house, often go to the Governor and Council to hear the laws confirmed. 17 of 11 mo., 1683 --- A Law proposed for two sorts of Cloaths only for winter and summer wear. 12 of 4 mo., 1864 --- Evidence of the abusive epithets of Col. Talbott on the border lines, and driving off land holders, saying "Off you brazen nosed dog --- or I'll ride you down," &c. 15 of 3 mo., 1685 --- Thomas Lloyd, President. Three pages of charges were made against Judge N. Moore, for high crimes and misdemeanours. It was on this occasion that Patrick Robinson declared of the Instrument, that the Assembly in so doing had made the impeachment at "hab nab", for which they also desire satisfaction. The Council resolved that they could not act until he was first convicted in Court. He afterwards made his submission, and continued an agreed time of about three months. 1 of 12 mo., 1685-6 --- The Petition of Chs. Pickering was read about his land in Chester being surveyed. [This marks him who counterfeited.] 12 of 3 mo., 1686 --- The Petition of the Frenchman sent over by Ballases was offered, saying that his agents did not perform their promises. [This accounts, perhaps, for some French names among us now.] 18 of 3 mo., 1686 --- A Petition for Highways was read, and the Council agreed to appoint a committee to inspect all the business of roads, and to order them to be laid out in the most proper and convenient places. 5 of 5 mo., 1686 --- Joshua Carpenter is licensed for 3 mos. to keep an ordinary in his brother Saml. Carpenter's house on the wharfe [above Walnut street.] 24 of 6 mo., 1686 --- Jno. White informs this board that the Marylanders have lately reinforced their fort at Christiana, and that they would not suffer him to cut his hay, but presenting their guns at him, said they would cast his hay when made into the River ! Also, that Maj. English, a few days past, came into New Castle Co. with 40 armed men on horses, and leaving the Co. at John Darby's, the Major and a Captain came to New Castle, and there told John White, that as to the case of his hay, he might peaceably cut it, if he would only say to them "Thou drunken Doggerel Inglish let me cut hay !" The council advise John White to use no violence, but to hope for a speedy settlement from the King. 1 of 8 mo., 1686 --- Upon the complaint of the Judges of the Court (Provincial) of great abuse offered to them on the bench by their clerk, Patrick Robinson, he was ordered to be dismissed. 19 of 9 mo., 1686 --- The Council taking into consideration the unevenness of the road from Philadelphia to the Falls of Delaware, agreed that a Committee and the Surveyors of the County meet, and lay out a more commodious road from the broad street in Philadelphia to the falls aforesaid. 12 of 3 mo., 1687 --- Luke Watson, a member of Assembly in 1688, was admitted a member of Council, he having vindicated his former offence. 2 of 2 mo., 1688 --- It is ordered that the Indians be encouraged in the destroying of Wolves by an extra provision. Matters of disagreement and unsettled accounts between individuals are often considered and adjudged by Council. All of the foregoing extracted in the year 1835, from the first volume in the office of the Secretary of State, it being a folio of medium sized paper, of 209 pages. Besides the foregoing, there were a regular succession of folio volumes, of much larger size, continued regularly to the War of Independence, 1775, in 20 volumes. After which other volumes follow of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. In 1701 Whitpain's great front room was used for the General Assembly --- then tenanted by Judge Shippen. The Sachems of the Susquehanna Shawana Indians visit the Proprietary Penn in 1701, to take leave. 11 of 5 mo., 1704 --- Gov. Evans and council. Ordered that all persons who serve till releasement in the Prison shall be exempted from watch and ward. Numerous roads leading to Philadelphia are petitioned for about years 1700 to 4. 1704 --- The London members of the Society of Free Traders, complain that their books, papers, &c., are broken up here, and praying relief against their agents here, and the recovery of the right knowledge of their interests. 4 July, 1718 --- A road ordered to be laid out from Philadelphia to Wissahickon Mills, by 5 com'rs, among whom was Andrew Robeson. May 2, 1729 --- Lancaster Co. is erected, and in next year the Town also. Jany. 1730-1 --- The inhabitants there declare they have no proper road to Philadelphia, but are compelled to go round about through Chester. Feby., 1729-30 --- Lancaster town pitched upon and money lent ( £ 300 ) to build a Court House and Prison on or near a small run of water between the Plantations of Roody Mire, Michl. Shank, and Jacob Imble --- at about 10 miles from Susquehanna. All the forgoing are embraced in eight books of demi MSS. (A. to H) and come down to the year 1734. I examined and extracted them pretty fully. After this the books begin and continue of larger size in a medium paper, and furnish but little in my way. In the Land Office is a book called the "Proprietary Papers", which professes to be made as an index to the papers remaining in "the Proprietary's Box in the Surveyor General's Office". Many of them are curious, I should presume, by their titles. They relate to "Swedes' Lands in Northern Liberties", to drafts of land in Moyamensing, Weccacoe, &c., and sundry miscellaneous kinds. Some are facts concerning "the Proprietary's Pasture", between Vine Street and Pegg's Run. EXTRACTS from MINUTES of the ASSEMBLY and from CONTEMPORANEOUS OCCURRENCES, viz: January 8,1683 --- Thomas Winn, Speaker of the General Assembly, ordered that the Members who absented themselves from the deliberations of the House, without good cause, shall pay a fine of twelve pence sterling for every such offense. March 16, 1685 --- Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the Provincial Courts was required by the Assembly to appear before them with the Recorder of the Court, but refusing compliance, he was taken into custody by order of the House, for refusal to obey the commands of the House, and voted incapable of exercising the duties of any public office thereafter. Nicholas Moore, for contempt of the authority of the House was expelled. 1689, March 13 --- John White informed the Governor that he was unable to attend to his duty as a Member of Assembly, being in prison at New Castle. The fact being made known to the Assembly, they commanded the Sheriff to place John White at freedom. John White took his seat in the House on the 17th; but on that night John Claypoole, Sheriff, broke open the door of the chamber when John White was preparing to go to bed, and carried him off to confinement. 1694, March 25 --- David Jamison informed the House of Assembly that the Five Nations of Indians had been corrupted by the French, and had withdrawn their friendship for Pennsylvania. 1694 --- The Speaker informed the House of Assembly that the King's Attorney, in London, expected to receive from them the sum of twenty guineas for reading the several laws transmitted to the King and council in London. 1695, July 9 --- The House of Assembly met at Sarah Whitpain's room, and each member agreed to pay their proportion, and charge it to the respective county. [NOTE --- When the Members of the General Assembly first met in the city of Philadelphia, they hired a room and paid the expense. The country members took lodgings out of the city, and walked in to attend the meeting, frequently bringing their dinners with them.] July 10, --- Judges allowed ten shillings a day for their services. July 25, --- John Claypoole presented to the Governor by the House of Assembly, as a man of "Ill Fame"; and that he be removed from office. 1698, March 13 --- William Morton sent a message to the House of Assembly, that he was a Scotchman, and he was apprehensive if he came to Philadelphia to take his seat as a Member, they would not receive him, and therefore he thought it prudent to remain at home. 1701 --- In this year, complaint was made to the Governor and House of Assembly, by the freemen of Philadelphia, stating that the Proprietary had encroached upon their rights --- that he had rented part of the land which was intended to be a common for ever; and requesting that the landing places at the Blue Anchor and the Penny Pot-house should be made free for the use of any man without hindrance. The answer of the Proprietary was that he had made a re-aplotment of the city, with which the first purchasers had complied, and consequently had not infringed upon their rights. 1701 -- Jurors entitled to receive eight pence a day; witnesses two shillings each. Philadelphia incorporated this year, by request of the inhabitants, into a city. 1704 --- Arrangements made for the erection of a Court House and Prison in the city of Philadelpia. August 16 --- The country members lodging out of the city were unable, from the violence of the wind and rain, to attend their duties in the House of Assembly. October 15 --- The Assembly were required to meet on Sunday. They met and organized, then adjourned to meet on Monday the 16th. 1705 --- The city of Philadelphia was visited by sickness in the spring. William Biles, Member of the House, complained of a breach of privilege. The House censured the Sheriff and Judges who committed the same. An attempt was made this year to make the qualifications for electors fifty pounds in value. 1706 --- The wolves had increased in such a degree as to cause an apprehension for the safety of all the flocks of sheep in the immediate vicinity of Philadelphia. A communication on the subject was made to the Governor and Assembly. The Slaughter houses in the centre of population in the city of Philadelphia became such a nuisance that they were ordered to be removed. 1706 --- James Logan laid before the General Assembly an interesting account of the Indians at Conestoga. 1707 --- The House of Assembly requested the Governor that he would not employ any longer James Letort and Nicholas as Indian Interpreters, as they ought to be considered very dangerous persons. In the year 1708, Solomon Cresson, a Constable of the city of Philadelphia, going his rounds at one o'clock at night, and discovering a very riotous assembly in a tavern, immediately ordered them to disperse, when John Evans, Esq., Governor of the Province, happened to be one of them, and called Solomon in the house and flogged him very severely, and had him imprisoned for two days. 1709 --- The Indians at Conestoga were required by the Five Nations to come and pay their annual tribute; but they sent word they could not go until they obtained permission of the Governor of the Province. The Assembly accordingly granted the money, as also charges for the journey. 1712 --- William Southbe applied to the Assembly for a law for the declaration of freedom to all negroes. The House resolved --- "It is neither just nor convenient to set them at liberty". 1713 --- A committee of the Assembly were sent to the Governor Gookin on business. They returned and reported "that the Governor is not stirring". [See Votes of Assembly, vol. ii., page 144.] 1715 ---Mr. Assheton called on the House of Assembly with a message from the Governor, and was introduced into the room and addressed the Speaker as follows : --- "The Governor has requested me to state his regret that he has been unable to get the Council together, and will feel happy if the members wait on him this evening at Sarah Radcliff's, and take a glass of wine with him". The house soon afterwards adjourned, and waited on the Governor in the evening. 1716 --- The Judges of the Supreme Court, William Trent, Jonathan Dickinson, and George Roach, refused to sit on any trial of criminals this year. They were declared by the House of Assembly enemies to the Governor and Government on account of said refusal. Charles Gookin, Esq., Governor, accused Richard Hill, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and James Logan, Esq., secretary, of being friendly to the Pretender, and that they were inimical to the government of Great Britain. September --- Hugh Lowdon, armed with pistols, attacked the Speaker of the House, and bloodshed being fortunately prevented, was committed to prison, and a bill of indictment found; but the Governor ordered a Noli Prosequi to be entered, to the great dissatisfaction of the Assembly. 1717 --- Owen Roberts, Sheriff of the county of Philadelphia, was censured by the Speaker, before the House of Assembly, for neglect of duty. Members of Assembly received four shillings and sixpence for each day they attended. 1718 -- A petition was presented to the Assembly for prevention of inhabitants of Jersey from selling any meat &c., in the market. 1719 --- The Indian traders at the head of the Powtomak were attacked by a body of Indians and defeated with the loss of many lives. 1720 --- The arch in Arch street in Philadelphia was pulled down this year, and caused much excitement. 1721 --- A meeting was called in the city of Philadelphia, to take into consideration the prevention of sale of spirituous liquors within the Province, and to encourage the making of beer as a substitute. 1722 --- Civility, Tehahook and Diahausa, Indian Chiefs, waited on the Governor, Sir William Keith, and addressed him as follows: --- "Father --- The red men have been on the hunting ground --- they have followed the deer --- they looked not upon your presents." "Father --- Our chief laments the death of the Indian, for he was flesh and blood like him --- you are sorry, but that cannot give him life. Father be not angry --- let John Cartlidge die --- one death is enough, why should two die --- our hearts are warm to the Governor and all the English" 1722 --- Captain Thomas Burrel, and Capt. Thomas James appointed Pilots for the Delaware. A petition was presented to the General Assembly on behalf of day labourers, stating that the practice of blacks being employed was a great disadvantage to them who had emigrated from Europe for the purpose of obtaining a livelihood; that they were poor and honest; they therefore hoped a law would be prepared for the prevention of employment to the blacks. The Assembly resolved, "That the principle was dangerous and injurious to the Republic, and ought not to be sanctioned by the House". 1723 --- A question was suggested and argued in the Assembly, "Whether a Clergyman, being an alien, could lawfully marry any person within the Province". It was not decided. Anthony Jacob Hinkle, ordered by the Assembly to be taken to the county jail by the Sheriff, and there detained during their pleasure. Tavern keepers petitioned the Assembly, that all settlers of ciguars* should be put upon the same footing with them, and compelled to take out a license. [*Ciguars in 1725 was impossible ! It must have been written for Liquors. Cigars were not in use till after 1798.] Proprietors of Iron Works petition to the Assembly to pass a law to prevent any person from retailing liquor near Iron Works to their workmen, excepting beer or cider. A bill was reported to the House of Assembly for the encouragement of Distilleries within the province, but such was the opposition made to it that Sir William Keith would not give his assent to the bill. A salary was granted to the Attorney General for the first time. 1726 --- Thomas Wright was unfortunately killed by some Indians at Snaketown, beyond Conestoga. The persons who committed the act were punished. 1728 --- The Indians attacked the Iron Works of Mackatawney, but were driven off with great loss by the workmen. A large number of Menonists arrived this year in Pennsylvania. 1729 --- Jonathan Kempster and George Coats were compelled to kneel at the bar of the House of Assembly and solicit pardon and promise better conduct in future, upon which, and paying fees, they were ordered to be discharged. 1730 --- The House of Assembly ordered that a suitable Flag should be hoisted at proper days upon Society Hill --- and that the sum of ten pounds should be granted to Edward Carter for hoisting the flag on Society Hill upon Sundays, Holy Days, and upon public occasions. 1731 --- The small pox prevailed to an alarming extent this year. The State House began to be built under the direction of Thomas Lawrence and Andrew Hamilton, Esqs. 1735 --- Offices adjoining the State House completed. 1739 --- A room in the State House appropriated to the public library of the city of Philadelphia. 1742 --- A great riot in the city of Phladelphia produced by sailors on the election ground. 1745 --- Peter Chartier, an influential Indian interpreter, went and joined the French Indians on the Ohio, to the injury of Pennsylvania. Peter, as the head of four hundred Shawanese Indians, attacked James Dinnew and Peter Teetee, and robbed them of their goods. James Dinnew and Peter Teetee were considered respectable Indian traders, and much excitement prevailed in consequence of the robbery. 1749 --- The friendly Indian Chiefs, on their way to Philadelphia, were encouraged to commit a variety of depredations on the inhabitants. A cow and calf belonging to Henry Ote, of Philadelphia County, were at a considerable distance from the road in a field, and the Indians were told they could not hurt them at that distance, whereupon they took aim with their guns and shot both. 1750 --- At an election for representatives in York County, a large party of Germans drove the people from the election ground. The Sheriff left the box and went out to speak to them, but was knocked down with others. Nicholas Ryland, the Coroner, then forced his way into the Court House, took possession of the box, and three of the inspectors remained with him to conduct the election. The Sheriff and four inspectors leapt out at the back window of the Court House, or they would have lost their lives. The Sheriff afterwards requested to be admitted, but was refused. The Sheriff afterwards called on six freeholders and examined them on their oath, as to the persons they thought duly elected, and then drew up a certificate which he and the six signed, and the return which they signed was accepted by the Assembly. The Sheriff, however, was called before the Assembly and publicly admonished by the Speaker, and advised to preserve better order for the future. The following was the explanation given to the Governor by the Germans of their conduct: --- Hans Hamilton, the Sheriff, did not open the polls until two o'clock, at which time the Marsh people assembled, armed and surrounded the window, and would not permit the Dutch people to vote, whereupon the Dutch people being the most numerous, broke into the Court House, and the Sheriff made his escape with some of the inspectors out of the back window; that they invited the Sheriff to return, but he refused; that the Coroner then took the Sheriff's place and proceeded to take tickets, and after the election was over, the Sheriff was invited to count the tickets, but he refused to have any thing to do with the election. The farmers complained this year that the bounty given for squirrels had tended to their injury, for the labourers, instead of helping them with their harvests, had taken up their guns and gone to hunt squirrels, as they could make more by squirrel scalps than by wages at day labour. 1751 --- Benjamin Franklin, and eight other Commissioners, were appointed to examine the River Schuylkill from Peters' Island to John Bartram's, for the most suitable place for a bridge, and they reported in favour of Market Street. 1752 --- The superintendents of the State House were directed to purchase from Mr. Allen, his cedar tree lot lying on Walnut Street, south of the State House for the use of the people of the Province. Number of vessels cleared from the port of Philadelphia were, in 1721, 130; 1722, 110; 1723, 85. Deaths in the City of Phladelphia were in 1722, 188; 1730, 244; 1732, 254; 1731, the small pox carried off 490; from 1738 to 1744, 3179. TAXABLES in the CITY --- 1720, 1995; 1740, 4850; 1751, 7100. BUCKS COUNTY --- 1751, 3262 CHESTER COUNTY --- 1732, 2157; 1737, 2532; 1742, 3007; 1747, 3444; 1752, 3951. LANCASTER COUNTY --- 1738, 2560; 1752, 3977. LANCASTER TOWN --- 1752, 311 YORK COUNTY --- 1749, 1466; 1750, 1798; 1751, 2403. CUMBERLAND COUNTY --- 1749, 807; 1751, 1134. It was the practice of the House of Assembly to have candles lighted at dark. The Speaker would then call "candles", and the door-keeper would immediately bring them in. Some of the Speakers used hand bells to keep silence. 1755 --- Samuel Hazard requested aid from the Governor and Assembly to his project of a new settlement or colony in the west. General Braddock defeated. Colonel Dunbar, (nicknamed Dunbar the tardy) arrived with three hundred of the wounded at Fort Cumberland on the 22d of July. The colonel did not consider himself in a secure situation, but requested the Governor to call him to Philadelphia. The House of Assembly exculpated themselves from blame in regard to the defeat of Braddock. [See Votes of Assembly, vol. iv., p.448.] 1755 --- George Croghan, James Burd, John Armstrong, William Buchanan, and Orlan Hoops were appointed commissioners to open a road to the west, for the purpose of sending supplies to the army on the Ohio and Yioghogheny. 1755 --- Irish settlement at the Great Cave entirely destroyed by the Indians. Settlement at Tulpehocken attacked by the Indians, and many destroyed on both sides. The report of the Council to the Governor on the matter of settlement of the Shawanese Indians, is to be found on page 517, volume 4th, of Votes of Assembly. The dates of settlement of the Shawanese does not correspond with the accounts given by their agents, as in the public records at Harrisburg; for the Shawanese Indians came to Pennsylvania, it is said, previous to the landing of William Penn, and their Chief held a conference with him, as it is alleged, to which they repeatedly refer in different talks. They did not all remove to Ohio in the year 1727 or 1729, but many remained until 1750 at their wigwam of the Beaver Pond, near the present location of Carlisle. [See Votes of Assembly, vol. iv., p. 528.] 1757 --- The Indian Chief Cayenquiloqudar, sends his son to be educated by the English. Mahlon Kirkbride, William Hoge, Peter Dicks, and Nathaniel Pennock vacated their seats in the Assembly at the request of the Council in London, as it was desirable that there should be no Quaker in the assembly during war. Mr. Allen being returned a member from the two counties of Cumberland and Northampton, was required by the speaker to declare which county he chose to represent, as he could not hold his seat for both. Mr. William Allen chose Cumberland. 1758 --- House ordered to be built at Wyoming for the reception of the Indians under Teedyuskung, in order to promote an Indian settlement for the better protection of the province. Barracks erected in Philadelphia, and Joseph Fox appointed barrack-master. 1758 --- Benjamin Franklin appointed agent for the transaction of government affairs during his stay in Great Britain. 1759 --- Meetings of the inhabitants of Pennsylvania in different places to express their opinion against horse racing, gambling, plays and lotteries. 1760 --- The house of Doctor John, the celebrated Indian Chief, was attacked on February 14th, in the town of Carlisle, by persons unknown, who barbarously murdered Doctor John, his wife, and two children --- which, on being communicated to the Governor, he offered one hundred pounds reward for the apprehension of the offenders. 1760 --- On March 17th, a very deep snow fell, which shut up all the roads. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, and the majority of the members were unable to get to town. A few only met, and adjourned the house until next day. The snow was in some places seven feet deep. 1761 --- An application was made to the Governor, James Hamilton, Esq., by Redmond Conyingham and other merchants of the city of Philadelphia, for the erection of piers in some suitable place in the Delaware, to preserve their vessels from ice. 1762 --- The Assembly directed that the remaining part of the square on which the State House stands, be purchased for the use of the people. A number of white children were given up by the Indians at Lancaster, and as they were not claimed, the Governor ordered them to be bound out for a suitable time. 1763 --- Application was made to the Governor for regulating taverns. That one only should be in such a defined distance, or in proportion to so many inhabitants --- that the bar - room should be closed upon the sabbath - day, as it would prevent youth from committing excesses to their own ruin, the injury of their masters, and the affliction of their parents and friends. REMINISCENCES and STATEMENTS of ROBERT VENABLE. This was an aged black man, born in January, 1736, died at Philadelphia in 1834, aged 98 years. In August 1830, I learnt from him the following facts, viz : --- Samuel Powell, a rich carpenter, owned ninety houses, lived at N.E. corner of Pine and Second Streets. Had his garden (across the street) where is now Friends' Meeting --- he worked also at making fire-buckets. R.V. showed me a leathern pitcher, (made by S.P.) once used in the cooper shop by said R. Venable*. * He probably derived his name from the Venable family. "Thomas Venable" has his inscription in Christ Church, as having died in 1731. He remembered Philadelphia every where unpaved --- (when it) was extremely miry, and cart loads often stalled. They used to call the place, in jeer, "Filthy-Dirty", instead of Phila - delphia. He well remembered old Capt. Chanceller, the sail maker, (the great friend of Sir Wm. Keith, who stuck to him to the last, and went down and saw him off from New Castle). He lived at the good brick house (then large) at the S.E. corner of "Chancery Lane" and Arch Street --- and said it was then called "Chanceller's Lane", although Ross and Lawrence had law offices there, and Ross lived at the other end of his lot on Second Street. He said this Chanceller was the father of Dr. Chanceller, and that he had another son, Samuel, who became a sea captain, and went much to MADEIRA, where he thinks he must have remained, or died, as he did not know of his having left any family. He was about his own age, and had played together. Chanceller's boatswain, Will, used to hoist the flag at the staff on Society Hill. At where is the present St. Paul's Church, and descending from Pear Street, at foot of which was a fine spring, open to all --- they called it "Powell's Hill", and Samuel Powell owned all south of it down to Spruce Street. "The Queen's-head Inn " was on Water Street, on the same lot as "the Crooked Billet Inn", which fronted on the river. The first lamp he ever saw in the street was round, and was set up before Clifton's door, a large two story brick house of double front, at the S.E. corner of Clifton's Alley, (since called Drinker's) and Second Street, below Race street. "Beake's Hollow", in Walnut Street, was called after Job Beake, a porter, who lived at the N.W, corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets, and from the back of his house went down a short hill. Wm. Beake was an early settler. In September, 1830, I had further conversation with old Robert, on about two dozen of special inquiries to which I led out his recollections. The result as follows: --- Of "Penn's Landings at Blue Anchor Tavern" he had not before heard. "Old Cross kept that Inn". Of "the Caves" he said he knew of none left; but knew old Owen Owen, a Friend, and his apple tree, where is now Townsend's Court, by Spruce Street. He remembered the vendues under the court. On one occasion of sales there of prize goods, old Phillips, in examining the French muskets before sale, had his thumb shot off. Of "Bathsheba's bath and bower" he had not heard, but of springs he had. Of one in Dock Street by Pear Street. Of "Coffee Houses", --- the oldest he knew was a large wooden house at the N.W. corner of Walnut and Front Streets. There he often saw Governor Thomas go. He had never heard of its being a Catholic Church. Of "Negro Slaves", --- never saw any arrive direct from Africa, but enough came round by Barbadoes, &c. Saw them sold at Coffee House. Of "Theatres", he said he went to the first play at Plumstead's store, "to light home master and mistress". The company there were genteel. Many people much opposed plays --- many fell out with Nancy Gouge because she went there to play. There was, then, no Anchor Forge of Offly's opposite to Union Street. "The great Fire works" on the river, the first ever seen, were very grand -- were for the honour of the capture of Cape Breton. Old B. Loxley, the artillery officer, had their management. Crowds of people came to the city from great distances --- people much afraid too. "The Paxtang boys' alarm", --- he was in the midst of it. Says old Capt. Loxley was busy with his artillery and company. It was a time of great excitement. Of "Christ Church", he said it had a wooden belfry in the rear of church, with but two bells --- the same now at St. Peter's Church. Saw the new bells, by Capt. Budden, arrive --- people greatly admired to hear their ringing at first. He had not known of its clock --- was none. Of "Dock Creek", --- said he had not heard of vessels of any big size going into it. It used to be a fine skating place in the winter for boys, and he among them --- "hundreds of them". Miscellaneous observations. --- Had never seen or known old Drinker, or Hutton, or Alice. Had no remarkable things to tell, that he had ever heard from the most aged. the cause of the name of "Whalebone Alley" he could not explain --- the whalebone fastened to the side wall of the house he had always seen. Had not heard of any Water Battery once at, or between, Pine and South streets. He knew old Black Virgil and wife well --- they had lived with Penn in Philadelphia. Poole's bridge was built in his time, by one Roberts. He knew a person who used often to talk of his personal knowledge of Daniel Pegg. The square fronting northward of the late "Bettering-house" was a great apple orchard in his time, very full of very large trees. REMINISCENSES and STATEMENTS of J. H. J., of CHEVIOT, OHIO The following items are such as were suggested to the mind of a gentleman in the perusal of the Annals. He had been a youth at Philadelphia in the period of the Revolution. What notices are here made, are only a part of the whole, being only that portion which might best suit the classification of "Facts and Occurrences of Early Times". Water-melons --- It has been said that Jos. Cooper first introduced them for sale in the Philadelphia market. It is said he got the seed from Georgia, and had difficulty to naturalize the seed. Morris wharf is probably the only one which has remained in family possession so long. Penn's deed to A. Morris is an exception to the water limits. His deed says, "extending into the Delaware", as I was informed by the grandson, 40 to 45 years ago. An ancient lady told me of a "freak". Some of the youth, one night carried off a large number of "New Castle grind stones" from an Iron-monger's in Second street, to Market Street Hill, and at a word let them all roll off to the river. They were seen by a constable; --- he went to owner, asked his bill, presented it to the parent of one of the youths --- the bill was paid next day, and the names and affair hushed up. The whipping post and pillory display was always on market day --- then the price of eggs went up much. The criminals were first marched round the streets. Bank Alley used to be called Elbow Lane, from its having a leading from it out to Third Street. There used to be several dry goods' stores and groceries in it. The entertainment given by the French Ambassador at Carpenter's house, now the arcade, was a supper and ball. The temporary building extended from the house along Chestnut Street up to Sixth street; the inside was about 15 feet high, and 30 broad, handsomely painted with festoons of roses from the ceiling. Money was thrown out among the crowd. The fire works were on the opposite square. I remember going to see the front house after it was struck with lightning. The one penny bills Bank of North America were merely issued for change, when the bank had refused to take coppers, so many of them being base. The corporation of New York, about the same time, did the same. There was a grave yeard in Fifth street, east side, between High Street and Chestnut Street --- had several head stones. Aged animals --- I remember seeing an account of a horse belonging to the Pennsylvania Hospital, which was known to be 46 years old. Brimstone --- Somewhere about 1798 it was said to rain brimstone --- it came with a very heavy rain. Considerable quantities could be gathered in old Pottersfield, on the margin of the pond, at the choking of the culvert. I gathered some --- it only looked like it. The ground of Dr. Rittenhouse, corner of Seventh and Arch, is highest in the city. When Peale had his Museum of Portraits corner Lombard and Third Streets, he and one Pine were the only portrait painters. Shively was the only noted whitesmith for fine cutlery --- shop on Third above Chestnut. "The Medley" was written, I was told, by Joseph Lacock, Coroner. He wrote also a play, with good humour, called "British Tyranny". I have several American plays. Wells and Pumps --- Some pumps had great run --- people sent for it, especially for the use of the sick. The water in the yard of a house in Norris' Alley was deemed the best in the city; another great water was in Love Lane. One in Walnut Street, by Zacheny's Court, was famous for boiling greens. I have seen the play about the Money-diggers by Col. Forrest --- there were two editions. An aged lady once told me the real names of all the characters. The cooper therein lived in Tun Alley. A large haunted house was in Front Street, vis-a-vis Norris' Alley --- another in Fourth Street, an old frame, just above Walnut Street. Jacob Balls was the first who exhibited equestrian feats in Philadelphia, probably about 1780-1. I have a plate of it. Parson Smith, in his life time, had a tomb built above ground, at his seat at the Falls of Schuylkill, and was buried in it when he died. "Fort Wilson House" was noted for being covered with copper. I saw the firing, it was not long, --- saw one killed only, near Hobert's door. Numerous other facts illustrative of the early history of Philadelphia could have been connected with the present article, but as they had also some direct bearings on places, characters, &c. intended to be specially described under their appropriate heads, they are less necessary in this place. Next: THE PENN FAMILY